Susan Ford

Principal / Attorney

Biography

Susan L. Ford is the founder of Res Nova Law, bringing over 25 years of experience to her clients. A former shareholder at one of Portland’s largest law firms, Susan created Res Nova Law to offer clients big-firm expertise with the personal attention they deserve. She focuses on estate planning, business formation and operations, contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution—always working to help clients avoid litigation when possible.

Admissions:

State Courts of Oregon
State Courts of Washington
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Education:

J.D. – Georgetown University Law Center
Ford Foundation Fellow in International Studies to the United Nations
M.S. in Foreign Service – Georgetown University
B.S. – Northwestern University

Civic & Professional Involvement:

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network – Service Provider Member (2016–Present)
Women Entrepreneurs Organization of Clark County (2022–Present)
Member, Oregon State Bar Estate Planning Section (2022–Present)
Past Chair, Oregon State Bar Business Litigation Executive Committee (2019–Present)
Leaders and Executives Across Professions (LEAP) (2018–2020)
Oregon Trial Advocacy College (2019)
Oregon State Bar House of Delegates (2016–2019)
Oregon Women Lawyers (1997–2019)
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, Go-To Girls (2013–2019)
Judicial Screening Committee, Multnomah Bar Association (2013–2016)
Board Member, Oregon Law Foundation (2009–2010)
Executive Committee Member, OSB IP & Technology Sections (1999–2010)
Fellow, Oregon State Bar Leadership College (2008)
Member, ABA IP Litigation, Trademark, and Copyright Committees (2008–2010)
Events Director, Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon (2012–2013)
Board Member, Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery (2005–2009)
Board Member, Bradley-Angle House (1997–1999)

Meet The Team

Meet our team of experienced attorneys, dedicated to providing expert legal solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Susan Ford

Principal / Attorney

Susan L. Ford is the founder of Res Nova Law, with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and businesses of all sizes. A former shareholder at one of Portland's large

Howard Russell

Of Counsel

Howard Russell has over 30 years of experience in patent and trademark prosecution, both at large law firms and as in-house counsel. Howard's practice is primarily focused on U.S.

Kathryn Pawlick

Of Counsel

Kathryn's practice is focused on assisting business owners with estate planning, entity formation, governance, contract review and drafting, mergers and acquisitions and other busi

Vanessa Cleric

Client Services Director

Vanessa is our Client Services Director and the first point of contact for many of our clients. She is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur

Estate Planning

May 21, 2025

A Legacy of Honor: Estate Planning as a Lasting Tribute on Memorial Day

Honor loved ones this Memorial Day by creating a lasting legacy through estate planning that reflects your values, care, and personal story.

May 14, 2025

How Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Their Strengths

May 7, 2025

Business Owner Burnout: Legal and Financial Strategies to Protect Your Company When You Need a Break

Estate Planning

April 23, 2025

Gene Hackman's Estate: A Wake-Up Call

Gene Hackman's $80 million fortune is in legal limbo after his wife died just days before he did, highlighting the estate planning crisis that countless families face, including possibly yours.

Estate Planning

April 16, 2025

Why Reviewing Your Trust Regularly Isn't Optional—It's Essential

Many people believe that once they've created a trust, they can simply file it away and forget about it. But just like your health needs regular check-ups, your whole estate plan (including your trust) requires periodic reviews to ensure that it will work for your loved ones and not fail when they need it.

Business Law

April 9, 2025

Beyond the FDIC Safety Net: Protecting Your Cash When Your Savings Exceed Insurance Limits

Your life savings may exceed FDIC insurance limits, leaving portions of your hard-earned money unprotected if your bank fails. Learn strategic approaches to safeguard your entire financial legacy and ensure the maximum protection for your deposits.

Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

You’ve invested in your business. You care deeply about your family. Now it’s time to protect everything you’ve built.

At Res Nova Law, we make legal planning simple, empowering, and personal—whether you need help with Wills and Trusts, a seasoned business contract lawyer, or guidance on how to transition out of your business. Let our experienced team of attorneys give you the clarity and peace of mind you deserve.

Book a Free 15-Minute Call